AU Vigilance Probe Still Inconclusive After Eight Months
With former Andhra University Vice-Chancellor P.V.G.D. Prasada Reddy set to retire at the end of this month, questions are being raised over the delay in the Vigilance enquiry into alleged irregularities during his tenure, as the probe remains inconclusive even after eight months.
The enquiry was ordered following allegations of financial irregularities, misuse of university funds, and politically influenced appointments during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure. Mr. Prasada Reddy has denied the allegations.
While in the Opposition, senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders alleged large-scale irregularities in the university administration and promised a comprehensive investigation upon assuming office. Mr. Prasada Reddy later resigned as Vice-Chancellor. However, nearly two years after the coalition government came to power, no action has been announced against those allegedly involved.
The Vigilance enquiry was initiated in December last year after several district MLAs reportedly brought the matter to the attention of Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh. By then, the allegations had remained unaddressed for nearly 18 months.
The enquiry covers alleged misuse of funds received under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), diversion of donations meant for university development, and irregularities in construction projects worth several crores of rupees.
The university’s Ph.D. admissions under the TDR Hub initiative are also under scrutiny amid allegations that admissions were granted in violation of prescribed norms and that candidates were asked to pay large sums of money. University officials had earlier acknowledged irregularities in the admissions process.
The felling of decades-old trees on the campus also sparked controversy amid allegations that the land was to be handed over for private use. The matter eventually reached the courts, following which the cleared site was converted into an open ground. Allegations have also been raised over the use of private funds for the project.
Other issues under investigation include the dumping of construction debris on the North Campus by a private firm, the alleged sale of felled timber, irregularities in diesel expenditure for university vehicles, and appointments to key academic and administrative positions, including Adjunct and Honorary Professors.
Employees and others who sought the enquiry have urged the government to expedite the investigation and make its findings public. They argue that any further delay, particularly after the former Vice-Chancellor’s retirement, could undermine accountability and defeat the purpose of the probe.